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'Top Chef' takes on a Texas-sized group of contestants

September 21, 2011 | 6:15
pm

Too many cooks in the kitchen? It sure looks as if that could be the case in Bravo’s new season of “Top Chef,” where a record 29 contestants will try to sauté, braise and grill their way to the top of the food preparation chain.

Premiering Nov. 2, the ninth season in the highly rated cooking competition will be set in Texas. Only 16 of the chefs, several of whom currently work in Southern California restaurants, will advance to the cook-offs in the Lone Star State.

Last season, 18 contestants competed in “Top Chef All-Stars,” with Richard Blais taking the top toque. Hugh Acheson, the colorful cook from the last “Top Chef Masters,” will join Emeril Lagasse as a regular “Top Chef” judge. The guest judges will include Charlize Theron, Pee-wee Herman and Patti LaBelle.